Lincoln Capri Convertible (1954)
for sale
Price: US $27,000.00
Price: US $27,000.00
This very long, very red, very shiny Lincoln Capri convertible with continental kit was in a famous museum collection in Georgia for the last 14 years. Some years ago the car got a very good paint job, front and rear seats reupholstered and a new white top.
I got it as a running car, but all the usual things were needed to get it back into reliable driving condition. The gas tank was cleaned out, the carburetor replaced, brakes repaired, starter rebuilt, power brake unit replaced, radiator repaired, transmission leak fixed, new plugs, plug wires, points, rotor, distributor, fluids changed, and 4 new wide whitewall tires added. I added dual 6v Optima batteries for more cranking power - the battery box is behind the carpet in the passenger's footwell, and two Optimas fit perfectly. I can't take credit for that idea, but I'm glad I could do it. An auxiliary temperature gauge was also added. The car comes with original copies of the shop manual and the shop supplement manual.
Now it drives very nicely, runs great, it's quiet and doesn't smoke. Very smooth on the highway, and very little wind noise at 65mph with the top down. The car has power steering and power brakes in addition to the 4 speed automatic, power seats and power top. There is no rust or rust repair, the sheet metal is smooth and a very well-done repaint shines brightly. The power top also works well. Every time we go somewhere, people gather around to admire it. Most people don't know it's a Lincoln, but they all say it's a beautiful car.
I want to make sure I list everything I know of that it might need. The 4-speed GM Hydra-Matic has a very slight flare when shifting from 2nd to 3rd, but otherwise works perfectly. A transmission expert said just keep driving it. The power seat switch is not working. The heater core was disconnected at some point - probably leaking. The fresh air vent control cables are stuck from not being used. The power window relays are sticking (the windows operate, but intermittently). The radio and wipers are not working. The windshield washer is not hooked up. The power antenna is also not hooked up (runs off vacuum). The carpet may be original, and has faded somewhat.
I have described what the car needs to the best of my ability, having spent many long hours getting it to be safe and drivable. I would welcome anyone's representative to perform a close inspection of the the car's condition. My mechanic's shop is about a mile from the house, and he could put the Capri up on his hoist.
I know it's worth more than what I'm asking, and I set a very reasonable reserve. The buy it now price is less than what Hagerty lists for a '54 Capri convertible in good condition (a little over $30k), and that's not even accounting for the continental kit. It's been satisfying to turn it from a museum car into one that's reliable and roadworthy that can now be driven regularly, taken to car shows, and be in parades and weddings.
I want everyone to have a fair shot at buying this Lincoln, and I believe that ending an auction early is not a good practice. I do have the Lincoln available for sale locally for $29, 900, so a local buyer would have to make an offer at least above the reserve. I will share the reserve price with any bidders who get within $5000 of the reserve, as a courtesy.
I'm happy to help coordinate with your shipper, and I can also recommend one I've been very happy with.
The'54 Lincoln Capri was pretty famous in its day among car fans. The race car in the photo won a big international race in 1954, the Carrera Panamericana. Lincoln Capris placed first, second and third in the stock car category. The Panamericana was a grueling, border-to-border, 2, 170 mile-long sedan and sports car racing event on open roads in Mexico. It was considered to be the most dangerous race of any type in the world. By 1954, it had become a highly professional endeavor attracting many top drivers of the day. The race was resurrected in '06 and is still run today, but not like the wild days when the Lincoln Capri ruled.
update: 2017-06-30
Condition: | Used | Year: | 1954 |
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | 54WA29431H | Mileage: | 81,900 |
Number of Cylinders: | 8 | Make: | Lincoln |
Transmission: | Automatic | Model: | Capri |
Body Type: | Convertible | Trim: | Convertible |
Warranty: | Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty | Engine: | 317cid 205hp |
Vehicle Title: | Clear | Drive Type: | RWD |
Options: | Convertible | Power Options: | Power Windows, Power Seats |
Exterior Color: | Red | Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Interior Color: | Red and white | For Sale By: | Private Seller |